Here's what you should know going into your first custom suit fitting

Cutter
Ollie Trenchard measures up client James Massey as sales
consultant James Field makes notes in a fitting room at bespoke
Savile Row tailors Anderson & Sheppard in central London
February 14, 2013.Reuters

Every man needs one suit that fits him like a glove.

The best way to fill that need is with the purchase of a
bespoke suit, made to precise specifications.

To execute that flawlessly, though, there are a few things a man
needs to know before he walks into a tailor's shop.

You're going to have to make a lot of choices about your suit, so
do your research so you get it right during that first crucial
fitting. Yes. There will be more than one.

"The initial fitting will represent most of the heavy
lifting. This is when all of your measurements will be
taken and most of your choices will be made", says
stylist Jessica Cadmus, founder of The Wardrobe
Whisperer.

"Therefore, it's a good idea to wear your favorite suit in
order to help establish a dialogue with your tailor and to give
him a sense of what you are accustomed to. Wear
dress shoes as well. The additional fittings will include
trying on a mock-up and then trying on the actual suit and making
final adjustments."

Before you get to any of that, though, here's what you need
to know:

You've got to know your fabric going in.
"I suggest using100% natural fabrics - usually wool or a wool
and cashmere blend," Cadmus told Business Insider.
"Super110s-120s
are typically at the intersection of luxury and durability.
Also, if this is going to be your primary A-game suit, my
recommendation is to allow yourself maximum versatility by
choosing either a solid navy or solid gray."

In terms of style, go classic — a two piece (no vest),
two button model with a notch lapel. "It's
your choice on the vent - both single and double vents are
classic but note that the single is generally considered more
American and the double more European," says Cadmus. "Be
specific that you'd like between1/4"-1/2" of cuff to show from your sleeves.
Finally, you may be asked to choose shoulder construction -
either natural (more Italian) or structured (more
British). Usually your own body dictates this
choice. If you are on the broad side, go natural and if
you are more slight, choose structured."

The flash is in the details, like the color of
your silk suit lining (go bold with green or purple), or the
color of the stitching of the bottom button of your jacket
sleeve (again, you can go bold). "I'm a fan of the
'ticket pocket,'" Cadmus said, referring to a smaller third
pocket on a blazer you see every now and again. "You may
also want to get an additional internal pocket or two.
But be thoughtful about what you intend to put in these as you
do not want to add bulk."